HI HB873

Establishes an aquarium fish conservation program within the Division of Aquatic Resources to regulate collection of fish and other aquatic life for aquarium purposes.

Program implementation includes designating limited-entry areas for collection, setting bag and catch limits, establishing permit limits, and implementing enhanced penalties for noncompliance in designated areas.

Requires aquarium fish permit holders to be certified by a national or international certification agency maintaining standards for safe and ecologically sound practices, including a maximum fatality rate of one percent for collected aquatic life.

Exempts customary and traditional native Hawaiian gathering rights, cultural and religious practices, taking of fish for human consumption, and special activity permits from the conservation program restrictions.

Rules must be adopted and fully implemented by July 1, 2018.